worldlit

explores the general proposition or thesis that the essay argues about the topic whether it is spelled out fully at the start or revealed gradually. It should be true but arguable and limited enough in scope to be argued in short composition and with available evidence.

identifies the reason for writing, which is suggested at the start of the essay and echoed throughout. It establishes the reason why one has thought of the topic that needed taking up and why the reader should care

forms the shape of the ideas, the sequence of sub topics and sections through which the ideas are unfolded and developed. This takes place through the complementary activities of convincing the reader and exploring the topics.

identify the facts or details, summarized or quoted, that one uses to support,demonstrates and prove the main idea and sub ideas. They are ample, concrete and explicitly connected to the idea.

are bits of background information, summary, context to orient the readers who are not familiar with the text being discussed. It includes essential plot information, precise locating of scene or comment, and setting up a quotation, telling who is speaking, in what context and what the reader should be listening for in it.

shapes the smooth flow of argument created by transition sentences that show how the next paragraph or section follows from the preceding one, thus sustaining momentum and echoing key word or resonant phrases quoted or stated earlier.

places speculation on the general significance of the particular analysis of aparticular text. One suggests issues of argumentation raised about the authors work generally about work of its kind or about the way fiction or criticism works

points out the sensation of life in writing of a mind invested in and focused on a subject, freely directing and developing the essay, not surrendering control to easy ideas, sentiments or stock phrases

deals with serious topics that are authoritative and scholarly in treatment. It reveals the writer’s mastery of the subject where its tone is dictated, characterized as something detached, objective, clear, and straightforward

deals with light, ordinary, even common place subjects in a language that is bubbling, casual, conversational, friendly, often humorous, and appeals more to the emotion than the intellect, touching on sensitivity first then the mind. The main source, the personality of the author, is revealed in the style and treatment of the subject

hints or relates to the main thesis

presents the discussion and illustration of the main ideas raised

presents the generalization or insights of the essay

presents ideas from specific points leading to a general principle or thesis.

develops ideas from general hypothesis to particular or specific proofs thatlead to a definite ending or conclusion.

Essay comes from the French word, _____, which means trial or test.

serves as an ideal means for transforming human conditions as evoked in itscontent.